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"Even parrots can talk, but walking the walk … not everyone does it. I cried out of happiness, overcoming, grit and desire to win.

"Things were never easy in my life, so why would they be now? The dream — no, the OBJECTIVE — is still alive. Congratulations for the performance, guys."

The world's most expensive player was making just his fourth appearance after breaking a bone in his foot in February and was the centre of attention for much of the match.

Late in the second half the referee awarded Brazil a penalty when he ruled Neymar had been brought down by a Costa Rican defender. But the VAR came into play and after viewing replays, the decision was overturned and the spot kick taken away, with Neymar deemed to have over-exaggerated the contact on him.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton was critical of Neymar, saying something needed to be done to end the culture of diving in football.

Brazil's Neymar celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg. Photo / AP

"These players are trying to cheat and they are trying to gain an advantage for that, so why should they be allowed to play in the following game because other teams are obviously disadvantaged?" he said.

Neymar's emotions at the end — breaking down in tears — highlighted Brazil's relief at getting its first win of the tournament after being held 1-1 by Switzerland in their opening match.

Coach Tite fell to the floor as he sped onto the pitch following Coutinho's strike. However, there is some concern in Brazil that Neymar's tears are a sign he may struggle to handle the pressure against tougher opposition as the tournament progresses.

"It's not normal to cry in the second game of a World Cup," Brazil's biggest newspaper, O Globo, said.

"A team needs to demonstrate mental strength, not fragility. Genuine or not, Neymar's crying is worrying."